2007-10-10 21:18:31.654156+00 by Dan Lyke 8 comments
Stored so I can show Charlene: DAK (FRS?) GMRS two way radios, with headset, for $59. If we can figure out how to modify those headsets to handle 25MPH wind noise (a foam shroud over the mic? it'd be nice if they came in right ear versions...), that might make a great tandem bicycling device. Via Tom and Dori.
[ related topics: Wireless Bicycling - Tandem ]
comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-10 21:51:19.647599+00 by: JT
Back when we used to ride motorcycles, we'd use throat mikes to communicate. There's an ear bud you put in either ear to hear and a thin strap that goes around your neck that picks up on vibrations in your throat for communications. Just remember not to talk loud or no one will be able to understand you.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-10 22:50:47.436555+00 by: Dan Lyke
Cool! Although at $99 each I may have to find a way to try that out first.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-10 23:13:30.153121+00 by: Dan Lyke
Hmmm... here's a $35 throat mic, reviewed here and here and here.
Wonder how it does with heavy breathing?
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-10 23:54:49.532097+00 by: Dan Lyke
As I dig a bit deeper, the reviews on that one aren't all positive. here's a review of the IXRadio mics.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-11 00:30:56.994466+00 by: JT
You get mixed reviews with them. The truth is that for the most part, people don't understand how to use them. You talk low and slow, like you're carrying on a regular conversation. People talk louder because they think the radio won't pick them up, which makes them fuzzy and bad sounding, then they talk even louder thinking it's like a regular microphone, which makes it worse.
You can find them in police supply places and motorcycle shops. A lot of SWAT teams use them because you can hear people when they whisper. Bikers like them because there's no wind noise and you don't have to shout to overcome the sound of your bike/tires/road/etc.
Either of those places will probably let you demo a couple while in the shop to see how you like them.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-11 03:18:09.215767+00 by: Dan Lyke
Great lead! Thanks. The only reason I haven't ordered some this evening is that I'm not sure how they'd do with exertion level breathing, although a decent push-to-talk that we can put on the handlebars or on a finger (some of the models I've seen have a "velcro the button to your finger" attachment) might make even that okay.
If we can get an ear piece that does something reasonable with wind noise (unlike motorcycle helmets we don't have coverage over the ears) that'd be an awesome solution.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-12 04:28:35.528246+00 by: Dave Goodman
Ever thought about a Garmin RINO with GPS so you know where your friends are? They have some nice vox headsets for those too.
#Comment Re: made: 2007-10-12 05:39:33.104982+00 by: Dave Goodman
DAK is back! I was quite sad when they went under. I used to go to the store in So. Cal. all the time. Cool.